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[quote=Diplomat1;39161892]Yesterday, I booked 7/26/2013 in a balcony for $1261 +tax, etc. That was a single supp rate of only 40% above the double occ rate of $899. Not bad for an Balcony facing the ocean on Oasis of the Seas.

The MSC-USA website is only showng sailings through April, 2014. However...there is a "repositioning cruise" from Miami to Brazil (departure May 24, 2014) not yet listed on their web site, but available for booking if one calls the MSC-USA office (in Ft. Lauderdale). You can disembark in Rio de Janeiro...or stay on the ship for 2 days in Rio and disembark a day later in Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil. Very desirable itinerary includes Virgin Islands, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad, and several Brazilian ports. Rumor has it that the Divina has been privately chartered to use as a hotel for World Cup team members in Rio, so there are no sailings in June, 2014.

I did find this cruise on the MSC-USA web site...funny...it's not listed as a Caribbean cruise, nor a South America cruise...it's listed as a "Transatlantic!" This itinerary isn't what I'd consider a transatlantic...nevertheless...that's where MSC-USA web site shows it, with the option to disembark June 11 in Rio, or June 12 in Santos (Sao Paulo). Decent prices for solos...there is a small roll call started...anyone else in???

I did find this cruise on the MSC-USA web site...funny...it's not listed as a Caribbean cruise, nor a South America cruise...it's listed as a "Transatlantic!" This itinerary isn't what I'd consider a transatlantic...nevertheless...that's where MSC-USA web site shows it, with the option to disembark June 11 in Rio, or June 12 in Santos (Sao Paulo). Decent prices for solos...there is a small roll call started...anyone else in???

I don't know if I should thank you or not because I'm booked! The price is good once you realize it's almost 3 weeks so it comes to about $89./night. And the deposit was only $100. with final payment not due til March so I can afford to be a sport and reserve a cabin. Plus they had handicap and it's right near the elevator making it even better. Other cruise lines would charge a lot more for a deposit.

I don't know if I should thank you or not because I'm booked! The price is good once you realize it's almost 3 weeks so it comes to about $89./night. And the deposit was only $100. with final payment not due til March so I can afford to be a sport and reserve a cabin. Plus they had handicap and it's right near the elevator making it even better. Other cruise lines would charge a lot more for a deposit.

WhoHoo cruisepup! Welcome aboard...come over on to the roll call (there aren't many of us yet)...hope some more solos will join us.

I think it's interesting that MSC put the tiniest balcony cabins at mid-ship...and put the most expensive Yacht Club *exclusive* cabins as far forward as possible (Divina). It's great that solos have a lot of well-priced cabins in several categories AND good ship locations to choose from!

WhoHoo cruisepup! Welcome aboard...come over on to the roll call (there aren't many of us yet)...hope some more solos will join us.

I think it's interesting that MSC put the tiniest balcony cabins at mid-ship...and put the most expensive Yacht Club *exclusive* cabins as far forward as possible (Divina). It's great that solos have a lot of well-priced cabins in several categories AND good ship locations to choose from!

I "upgraded" to an ocean view for $180. or $10./day which I think is good. However, the balconies would have gone beyond my budget and I saw how tiny they are. Only advantage is that I could get fresh air. Maybe down the road if it doesn't sell well rates may go down (wishful thinking). In the meantime, I would like to spend some time in Rio after the cruise but World Cup starts on 6/12. The major games aren't until July so maybe hotels will have availability and rates won't be crazy.

...In the meantime, I would like to spend some time in Rio after the cruise but World Cup starts on 6/12. The major games aren't until July so maybe hotels will have availability and rates won't be crazy.

Another option would be to disembark in Santos a day later. Probably a comparable price to pay for one more cruise day vs. paying for a Rio hotel? Then you could stay on the ship for both days in Rio, using the ship as your "hotel," ...unless you're looking for even more time in Rio or maybe to attend some of the World Cup games...good luck! (come join the roll call.)

Another option would be to disembark in Santos a day later. Probably a comparable price to pay for one more cruise day vs. paying for a Rio hotel? Then you could stay on the ship for both days in Rio, using the ship as your "hotel," ...unless you're looking for even more time in Rio or maybe to attend some of the World Cup games...good luck! (come join the roll call.)

Last place I would want to be is in a soccer stadium. Plus I don't find the game fun to watch up close on tv so in a possibly broiling stadium seat (although it is winter in S.A. then) and far from the action it would be torture. Anyway, it's at the very beginning of the games so maybe not so crowded yet. I don't think 2 days would be enough time in Rio. Right now, hotels aren't booking this far ahead so I'll have a look once they care on the market. This whole cruise is really up in the air and I only booked because it was only a fully refundable $100. deposit. I won't bother with the roll call yet since I'm not 100% committed to the cruise yet.

Last place I would want to be is in a soccer stadium. Plus I don't find the game fun to watch up close on tv so in a possibly broiling stadium seat (although it is winter in S.A. then) and far from the action it would be torture. Anyway, it's at the very beginning of the games so maybe not so crowded yet. I don't think 2 days would be enough time in Rio. Right now, hotels aren't booking this far ahead so I'll have a look once they care on the market. This whole cruise is really up in the air and I only booked because it was only a fully refundable $100. deposit. I won't bother with the roll call yet since I'm not 100% committed to the cruise yet.

I see...and I suppose you'll probably have a better idea if you want to keep the the South America cruise (or not) after you complete your "Divina Debut" cruise. Happy cruisin'!!

Found a better deal for me on Explorer to Bermuda on 10/13/13 for $563. with an assigned cabin. There's a $75. C&A coupon too! I'm posting the rate without port charges and taxes since that's what the others did. With the coupon the deal will come to $650 with everything. I prefer a cabin close to the aft elevators since it's easier to navigate to the dining rooms, buffet and concierge club (I'm Diamond+) from there.